Kristi Trattle is the Aboriginal Support Worker for Nicomekl Elementary School.

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Kristi is Metis and Cree ancestry. She has worked as an Aboriginal Support Worker for for the Langley School District for 16 years and provides support in a number of ways. She has helped to increase awareness and appreciation for aboriginal heritage.

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The Button Blanket

The Button Blanket, which is proudly displayed at the front office, was designed by The Aboriginal Program.

The blanket was presented to the school in the millenium year of 2000.

Each student in during the school year had the opportunity to sew a button on the blanket.

Different nations’ art styles and symbols were incorporated into the overall design.  The tree is representative of the home and the roots are the founding anchor for all children to have.

Students learned about Northwest Coast artwork, design, culture, regalia as well as traditional and man-made materials used in bottom blanket design.  The use of button blanket regalia, territories and nations where these are traditionally worn.

This project provided an opportunity to learn about indigenous culture. Why continuing traditions and language is so important and to have our indigenous children and families feel represented, welcomed, and given a sense of belongs.  It continues to remind us to this day.

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Many thanks to Ms. Brenda Matthews (Aboriginal Support Worker) and Mrs. Jean Hutchinson (retired T.A. Resource Room) for their many hours.

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National Aboriginal Day is held on the summer solstice and the longest day of the year.……………………………………………………………………

Aboriginal people believe that each child has a gift to give the world and that we must nurture the gift to benefit all people.

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